COVID-19 Updates from the Bookish World

A reader and book club host weighs in on the pros and cons of in-person vs virtual book club meetups in the time of COVID-19.

The Healing Verse Philly Poetry Line is just the latest way that the Philadelphia book scene is sharing hope and supporting citizens.

Demand an explanation for why Chicago Public Libraries are open to in-person services while COVID positivity rates soar above 15%.

A reader visited the Story Museum in Oxford, England to learn how the space modified its "interactive" exhibits for COVID-19 compliance.

Real readers weigh in on how the stress and new routines of the pandemic have changed how much we’re reading—and what we’re choosing to read.

In considering whether staff are being protected as libraries reopen during the pandemic, we take a look at some Arizona libraries.

If I'm wearing it, it's fashion, right? As the pandemic rages on, you need more masks, so why not show your bookish side with some literary masks?

Quaranzines collecting people’s quarantine experiences are growing in popularity, and provide important information, and libraries are noticing.

Taking a look at some of the helpers who are turning their Little Free Libraries into Little Free Pantries to help neighbors in need during the pandemic.

As bookstores reopen, owners are prioritizing safety for employees and customers above all else. Find out what's happening from the sources.

With no city public health department, the City of Phoenix repurposes librarians as public health workers.

A line-item veto by Governor DeSantis in Florida demolishes funding for online learning and information accesss.

Give the little ones some tools to better understand this unprecedented event with these free children's books about coronavirus.

Lock-downs and shelter-in-place rules have changed the landscape of literary events. In response, these literary translation events have shifted online.

JK Rowling announces a new children's book, The Ickabog, to be published for free online.

Find out how some libraries are shifting summer reading programs into digital spaces, maintaining their communities, and learning from the process.

A library worker on the dangers librarians face as people in positions of power demand they return to work with little concern for library staff safety.

Taika Waititi will lead an all-star reading of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH on YouTube to fund COVID-19 relief.

How are you getting creative with reading time while staying at home? This reader has some tips for maximizing your pandemic reading time.

Chicago Public Library calling back staff endangers them -- as much as opening for scaled-down regular service June 1 endangers its communities.

Consider your desert island reads. Now, think of the books that have helped you out of a quarantine slump. Do they match up?

The film version of Hamilton will debut on Disney+ on July 3, over a full year ahead of the originally planned theatrical release.

There are many ways to support local indies, but first, you need to find one. We've got a big list of independent bookstores online and ready for orders.

Andy Serkis will read THE HOBBIT online as a fundraising effort to benefit the NHS.

If you've been bitten by the crafting bug, but don't want to make a run to the store, try these 10 bookish crafts you can do in quarantine.

A local virtual book club strengthens the local literary scene, cultivates a diverse community, and celebrates the power of stories and books.

Daniel Radcliffe will lead an all-star read-along of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Stay Home, Stay Reading is a virtual project initiated by two Pakistani writers to support authors unable to promote their books due to the pandemic.

We are going to be wearing masks, so might as well pick something that'll make wearing them a little bit easier.

Doctors are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a selection of books about doctors that illustrate their strength and courage.

One reader shares personal stories about how she's finding bookish joy during these dark days of shelter in place and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Random House Children’s Books will launch Magic Tree House Home Adventures, an online program of activities, crafts, recipes, reading challenges, and more.

Desperate times call for some outside help. These books might be able to help you re-center yourself and take a breather while parenting during a pandemic.

Looking for ways to support independent bookstores through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond? Consider this flowchart for impactful purchases.

These nonfiction books about racism toward Asian Americans are all too timely as the COVID-19 pandemic incites xenophobia and attacks.

Missing your bookish community during these quarantine days? These virtual book events bring the convention to your home!

PEN America, ALA, and other advocate groups for First Amendment rights demand fees for prison tablets--a vital tool for accessing information--be dropped.

A literary virtual scavenger hunt is a brilliant way for book lovers to stay connected with their friends—and their books—during COVID-19 social distancing.

These twenty great free Kindle books are available to read free on your Kindle through Prime, Unlimited, sales, or your local library's ebook collection.

Find out which of your most anticipated 2020 book releases are delayed due to COVID-19 -- and when they're coming out now.

Lionsgate will stream four of its biggest films for free on YouTube for the next four Fridays.

The Every Library Institute has launched the "Help A Librarian Out" (HALO) fund to benefit librarians and library workers affected by COVID-19.

Libro.fm has partnered with a range of artists to create 10 pairs of socks for book lovers; profits will support booksellers impacted by COVID-19.

The DC Comics Kids Twitter account is posting a variety of free activities throughout the day and there's something for kids and adults alike.

The Pulitzer Prize Board has postponed the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Pulitzer Prizes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coalition of National Arts Grantmakers has launched an emergency relief fund for artists struggling during COVID-19.

Audiobooks have allowed this Rioter to continue reading throughout this crisis, and to continue reading in the way that makes her happiest.

Whine. Watch all the adaptations. Aggressively hint about wishlist books. It's your party and you'll be bookish if you want to.

These coloring sheets by beloved artists are freebies and will keep you busy for hours getting creative.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter introduces Harry Potter at Home, a new collection of free resources for readers and educators.

There is already a decent amount of free books for kids available online, and now there has been a recent expansion of available resources.

Can't read lately as a side effect of COVID-19 stress? Here are some way Book Rioters are embracing stories while they can't read during social-distancing.

Dolly Parton will be reading children's books in a 10-week program called Goodnight with Dolly, part of her Imagination Library.

Pandemic lit has always been my favorite kind of reading because these stories, even at their darkest moments, give me hope for what is to come.

The Little Free Library community has identified an incredible way to give back to their neighbors by turning their LFLs into Little Free Pantries.

If there is a motto for the current situation it must be, "We are living in uncertain times." Here are eleven literary quotes for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authors are pushing back against The Internet Archive's "National Emergency Library" for infringing on their copyright.

Bookselling giant Barnes & Noble began laying off employees this week as over 400 stores closed due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders.

When you need some time away from the headlines, check out these literary podcasts for stress relief, with topics ranging from library chat to teen horror.

If you're looking for ways to help support your favorite authors while social distancing limits access to new releases, check out this guide.

Simon Teen is offering more than twenty books and excerpts to read for free right now!

Creative ways to keep your book life alive during quarantine.

Dear Sugar is back! Cheryl Strayed is giving advice as Sugar this Friday on the first episode of Live Wire House Parties.

Looking for a quarantine reading list? Book Riot contributors list the books they're planning to read while they stay home and practice social distancing.

One reader takes solace in and shares some advice on social distancing from WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

School has closed and the kids are quarantined at home? We have the best educational comics to start your sudden homeschool journey (and save your sanity).

If you want one less thing to think about, including which book to read next, work your way through these book series to read while social distancing.

Wondering how your favorite PRIDE AND PREJUDICE character would react to COVID-19 related social distancing? Cue dream sequence.

A Pennsylvania library created a Hogwarts digital escape room; boredom be gone, we're headed to Hogwarts!

Scribd, the audiobook, ebook, and magazine subscription service, is offering 30 days of free access to their entire library of titles.

Looking for ways to entertain kids and teens at home? Audible has launched Audible Stories, a free service that offers family-friendly educational and entertaining audiobook content.

You can now download ten free ebooks on social and economic justice from Haymarket Books to read while social distancing.

Good news quarantined bookworms: LibraryThing is now free! Add, catalog, and organize unlimited books while stuck at home.

Why are Chicago Public Library branches still open to the public during this global health crisis?

Whether you need to put together a shopping list, stock up the pantry, or use what you've got, these quarantine cookbooks are here to help.

Nicole and Matthew discuss the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of racism and social media, how the virus is impacting school kids and families, and how the kidlit community is responding.

Artists and writers are chronicling their journey with COVID-19 in interesting and thought-provoking ways. Pass the time with these COVID-19 comics.

If you too are stuck at home, we've got some long and compelling books you might be interested in picking up to help pass the time.

The two major independent booksellers are laying off employees as they close their physical shops in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

We've rounded up free resources on the coronavirus pandemic to help you stay informed, from news outlets and newsletters to podcasts and more.

Feeling a little trapped inside and twiddling your thumbs? Relatable! These closed-space book recommendations make for perfect quarantine reading.

Breaking down the many reasons why library staff should not have to report to work as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19 on a global level.

Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner have partnered to launch #SAVEWITHSTORIES in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amazon has been flooded by an influx of self-published books on coronavirus, many of which are plagiarized or contain false information.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis and quarantine, kidlit authors are offering read alouds, drawing lessons, and other free resources for education and entertainment.

When you're looking for some comfort and some way to keep track of time spent washing your hands, try these short and soothing poems.